28 January 2020

UCAC education union has welcomed today’s publication of curriculum guidance by Welsh Government (28 January), but has warned that particular issues will require attention as planning and implementation begin.

Rebeca Williams, UCAC Deputy General Secretary said “Today is a historic day which sees the publication of a uniquely Welsh curriculum. This is a huge step for Wales and is testament to the vision of the Minister for Education and the hard work of the education profession in Wales over a number of years.

“The Minister herself has called on schools not to rush into trying to plan for this, but rather to take space and time to understand the new model and to start to discuss their vision and values which will inform their planning process. This is wise advice.

09 January 2020

UCAC has lost one who has worked tirelessly for the Union and for the welfare of teachers and pupils throughout Wales.

Siân Cadifor had been UCAC's county secretary in Rhondda Cynon Taf, a member of the National Council and had contributed to a number of Union committees over the years including the Equality Committee.

She was held in high esteem by our fellow members and by educators due to her concern for the education of pupils and for ensuring teacher's well-being as well as a desire to see Wales succeed and for the Welsh language to flourish.

Our deepest sympathies are with Elin and Rhun, her brother and sister, and the whole family.

Following a private service at Coychurch Crematorium, a public service will be held at Tabernacle Chapel, Efail Isaf at 12pm on Saturday, January 25th, 2020.

3 November 2019

In response to the publication of the results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) by the OECD today, UCAC education union has called for all concerned to make wise use of the data.

Dilwyn Roberts-Young, UCAC General Secretary said “This year’s PISA results provide a wealth of information about various aspects of our education system. The headlines are comparatively encouraging – and everyone concerned is to be congratulated on that. However, we must be careful to go beyond the headlines.

“It appears that some of the reforms that have already been implemented are beginning to pay off. But we must remember that the major reforms to the curriculum, assessment arrangements and accountability systems have yet to be put in action. We now need to concentrate on implementing those reforms in an effective way over the coming years if they are to help us on our journey towards improving education for all in Wales.

29 October 2019

TUC Cymru have produced an eNote in response to the rise of far right extremism in our workplace and communities.

The resource is available in Welsh and English here:

https://www.tuc.org.uk/farright

The eNote:

• explains who the far right is and why we oppose them;
• gives you practical tips on how to campaign against the far right;
• lets you practice answering difficult questions you may encounter.

28 October 2019

I am writing to you in my capacity as Secretary General, Undeb Cenedlaethol Athrawon Cymru (UCAC).UCAC is an all-Wales union for teachers, headteachers and lecturers - the only trade union specifically for Wales.

This correspondence is in response to your request for unity from within Catalonia and beyond to principles leading to calls for the release of Catalonia's political prisoners imprisoned due to injustice.

We condemn the continuing threat to the people of Catalonia and support your statement that 'it is always our duty to promote dialogue, critical spirit, respect for diversity, citizen participation in public affairs, and a democratic resolution of conflict'.

We stand with you as a Union that firmly believes in the role and power of education in promoting the above principles and duties, and in nurturing generations of principled, conscientious and creative citizens in our respective countries.

We will, of course, be thinking of you at such a difficult time.